Dust suppression apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dust suppression apparatus comprising: (a) a turntable; (b) an engine; (c) a water mist blower comprising an air conduit, a plurality of water nozzles positioned so as to supply a spray of water to the air conduit, and a fan positioned so as to supply a stream of air through the air conduit, the water mist blower and the engine mounted on the turntable, the turntable adapted to permit the air conduit to be rotated horizontally, and the air conduit mounted so as to permit the air conduit to tilt vertically; (d) a water conduit adapted to supply pressurized water to the plurality of water nozzles; (e) a belt drive connected to the engine and adapted to supply power to the fan, and (f) a constant velocity joint connecting the belt drive to the fan.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/154,831, filed Jan. 14, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/065,541, filed Mar. 24, 2011, which claims thepriority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/317,030,filed Mar. 24, 2010, which are hereby incorporated in their entiretyherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dust suppression apparatus andmethods.

BACKGROUND

In the fields of construction and demolition, it is often desirable toapply water mists over active construction and demolition sites, or oversites otherwise affected by dust or other particulate matter, in orderto settle the particulate matter in similar heavy machinery and similarwork environments.

While misting dust suppressors have been developed and used in the past,many misting dust suppressors are limited in the area of coverage by theability of the devices to provide large volumes of properly-sized mistdroplets, and to eject mist so as to cover very large areas or to servevary large volumes, such as those presented in demolition operationswherein larger buildings are brought down and eject large volumes ofparticulate matter as they fall.

In addition, it is also desirable to be able to direct and redirectmisted fluids toward different areas or through different volumes at agiven job site or as a demolition operation proceeds. It is alsodesirable to be able to direct and redirect misted fluids to varyingheights, again depending upon the application presented.

It is often beneficial to be able to provide automatic and/orreciprocating sweep angles in the misting output. This reduces labor inapplications where otherwise an operator would have to be on station toconstantly vary the aim of the mist output.

Further, in many instances it is beneficial to be able to vary theoverall mist output and output throw distance depending upon a givenapplication. In some instances, it is desirable to be able to provide arelatively low-volume mist over a greater distance, while in otherapplications, a greater treatment volume of mist or greater mist densityis desirable in a relatively smaller treatment volume.

Accordingly, there remains a need for misting dust suppressors thatprovide greater mist output and output throw distance while being ableto vary the angle of the mist output, and to do so automatically wheredesired. There also remains a need for misting dust suppressors thatprovide versatility in the amount and density of mists, such as beingable to provide mist droplets of different size and to do soautomatically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention described herein addresses theshortcomings of the prior art.

In general terms, the invention may be described as a dust suppressionapparatus comprising: (a) a turntable; (b) an engine; (c) a water mistblower comprising an air conduit, a plurality of water nozzlespositioned so as to supply a spray of water to the air conduit, and afan positioned so as to supply a stream of air through the air conduit,the water mist blower and the engine mounted on the turntable, theturntable adapted to permit the air conduit to be rotated horizontally,and the air conduit mounted so as to permit the air conduit to tiltvertically; (d) a water conduit adapted to supply pressurized water tothe plurality of water nozzles; (e) a belt drive connected to the engineand adapted to supply power to the fan, and (f) a constant velocityjoint connecting the belt drive to the fan.

The turntable is adapted to provide 360 degree horizontal rotation, andmay be adapted to provide reciprocating arcuate horizontal rotation. Itis preferred that the turntable is adapted to provide 360 degreehorizontal rotation or reciprocating arcuate horizontal rotation.

In a preferred embodiment, the dust suppression apparatus has aplurality of water nozzles comprising a first and second circular arrayof water nozzles, either of the first and second circular arrays ofwater nozzles adapted to be optionally engaged.

The dust suppression apparatus further preferably features a belt guard,a portion of the belt guard disposed adjacent to the air conduit, theportion of the fan adapted to permit air flow therethrough.

The dust suppression apparatus typically will additionally include atleast one motor, being (1) a motor connected to the turntable so as tobe able to rotate the air conduit horizontally and/or (2) a motoradapted to tilt the air conduit vertically.

It is also preferred that the dust suppression apparatus additionallyinclude an electronic control panel adapted to provide electroniccontrol of the at least one motor so as to control either the rotationor the tilting of the water mist blower, or both the rotation ortilting.

It is also preferred that the dust suppression apparatus additionallyinclude a booster pump driven by the engine and adapted to increase thepressure of the pressurized water, which is especially useful inapplications where the water source is at no pressure or low pressure.

Another preferred feature of the apparatus is the inclusion of a beltguard, a portion of the belt guard disposed adjacent the air conduit,the portion of the fan adapted to permit air flow therethrough.

The present invention also includes a method of dust suppression, themethod comprising the steps: (a) transporting a dust suppressionapparatus to a site, the dust suppression comprising (1) a trailerhaving wheels and an upper surface; (2) a turntable mounted upon theupper surface; (3) an engine; (4) a water mist blower comprising an airconduit, a plurality of water nozzles positioned so as to supply a sprayof water to the air conduit, and a fan positioned so as to supply astream of air through the air conduit, the water mist blower and theengine mounted on the turntable, the turntable adapted to permit the airconduit to be rotated horizontally, and the air conduit mounted so as topermit the air conduit to tilt vertically; (5) at least one motorconnected to the turntable so as to be able to rotate the air conduit tobe rotated horizontally and to be able to tilt the air conduitvertically; (6) a water conduit adapted to supply pressurized water tothe plurality of water nozzles; (7) a belt drive connected to the engineand adapted to supply power to the fan, and (8) a constant velocityjoint connecting the belt drive to the fan; and (b) supplying water tothe water conduit and operating engine so as to generate water mist,while actuating the at least one motor to either: (i) operating themotor so as to rotate the air conduit horizontally, or (ii) operatingthe at least one motor so as to tilt the air conduit vertically, or(iii) operating the at least one motor so as to rotate the air conduitto be rotated horizontally and so as to tilt the air conduit vertically.

The dust suppression apparatus of the present invention is able toprovide dust suppression at the worksite. It can reduce worksite dust inan area of up to 20,000 square feet, thereby maximizing dust suppressionefforts. With a relatively modest volume of water the machine can covera much larger area than outdated manual methods of dust suppression.

Because, in the preferred embodiment the machine is powered by a dieselengine it does not require electrical power, resulting in much saferoperation.

It will be understood that all disclosed features of the presentinvention may be utilized to the extent that they are not logicallyinconsistent with one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dust suppression apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 a-2 g are various views of the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 3 a-3 d are various views of the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4 a-4 i are various views the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus with mounted engine, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a-5 h are various views the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus with mounted fan assembly, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a-6 k are various views the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus with mounted fan drive and guard assembly, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 a-7 k are various views the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus with mounted with mounted engine, fan assembly,and fan drive and guard assembly, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 8 a-8 l are various views the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus with mounted with mounted engine, fan assembly,and fan drive and guard assembly, and booster pump, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 e are a collection of views of a portion of the fan assembly52, shown with the water supply conduits, associated valves and nozzlerings adapted to provide water mist to the blown air stream.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are a collection of views of a portion of the controlpanel, shown with wiring arrangements.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for the control circuitry and logic for thecontrol panel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 a-12 h are a collection of views of a portion of the fuel tankserving the engine of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 a-13 d are a collection of views of a portion of the jack shaftassembly for the fan of the present invention.

FIGS. 14 a-14 d are a collection of views of the power solenoid assemblyof the present invention.

FIGS. 15 a-15 d are a collection of views of the supply plumbingsub-assembly of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 a-16 b are a view of the control panel of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a portion of the control panel of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the foregoing summary, the following describes apreferred embodiment of the present invention which is considered to bethe best mode thereof. With reference to the drawings, the inventionwill now be described in detail with regard for the best mode andpreferred embodiment.

FIGS. 1-17 show, using like reference numerals, a dust suppressionapparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, including a trailer A with theframe and other operative portions of the dust suppression apparatus Bof the present invention.

FIGS. 2 a-2 g are various views of the frame assembly for a dustsuppression apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view ofthe frame and swing drive assembly. FIG. 2 a shows frame and swing driveassembly 100 comprising a stationary frame and turntable portion uponwhich the balance of the operative portions of the apparatus may bemoved through a reciprocal arcuate movement, or even through a 360degree circular movement cycle.

The base frame weldment 1 may be placed on any vehicle or trailer fortransportation to and from a job site and for repositioning theapparatus within a job site for dust suppression.

FIG. 2 a shows base weldment 1 and circular swing guide 101, knob shaft17, ball knob 18, and four arm knob 19, that allow the degree of arcuatemovement to be set and controlled by setting the knob shafts 17 alongthe circumference of the circular travel guide 101.

FIG. 2 a also shows motor cover weldment 9 that covers the motor (notshown) that supplies movement of the lower frame portion 102 withrespect to the upper frame portion 103 as described herein.

FIG. 2 b shows a bottom plan view of the frame and swing assembly 100shown in FIG. 2 a. This view shows the base weldment 1 and the centralpivot point 5 about which the upper frame 103 turns to move theoperative portions through an arcuate or circular path. This may be donewith the assistance of a bearing trace as shown.

FIG. 2 c shows a top plan view of the frame and swing assembly shown inFIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 d shows a first side elevation view of the frame and swingassembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 a. This view shows lower frame portion 102and upper frame 103. FIG. 2 d shows upper frame weldment 3 and turnablebearing 2. Also shown in FIG. 2 d is gear reducer 6. This view alsoshows the circular travel guide 101 having a number of positioningapertures adapted to hold one or more travel restrictors, such as knobshaft 17, ball knob 18 and four arm knob 19, that serve to set thelimits of arcuate travel for the upper frame 103. This permits thecontrol of the swing of the entire active portion such as for theprovision of reciprocal motion. Travel restrictors in pairs may be usedto set the travel arc for sweeping motion of the mist spray or a singlerestrictor to set a limit for circular motion, and other equivalentelectronic or programmable means may be used for the same purpose.

FIG. 2 e shows a second side elevation view of the frame and swingassembly 100 sectioned along line A-A of FIG. 2 d, using like referencenumerals. This view shows lower frame portion 102 with respect to theupper frame portion 103 as described herein. Also shown is motor 8, suchas a 12 volt DC motor, that is engaged to turn the upper frame portion103 with respect to the lower frame portion 102 by cooperation of thegears shown in FIG. 2 f.

FIG. 2 f shows detail C of FIG. 2 d, and shows main gear 5, tooth pinion13, pinion spacer 14, pinion keeper 15 and lock washer 16 with hex headcap screw 10.

FIG. 2 g shows detail D of FIG. 2 with the battery cover removed forclarity, and shows the detailed structure of this portion of the upperframe portion 103.

FIG. 3 a is an upper perspective view of the frame and swing driveassembly showing the supply plumbing subassembly 31 held in place bypipe u-bolt 37. FIG. 3 b shows a first side elevation view of the frameand swing assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3 a showing the supply plumbing inplace. FIG. 3 c is a detail of FIG. 3 a showing a portion of the supplyplumbing. This view shows pipe nipple 33, line strainer 34, pipe nipple35, pipe elbow 36 and pipe u-bolt 37 a. FIG. 3 d is a lower perspectiveview of the frame and swing drive assembly showing a portion of thesupply plumbing, including nipple 32 held in place by pipe u-bolts 37 cand 37 d.

FIG. 4 a is a detailed elevation view of the frame and swing driveassembly supporting the power unit 42 showing the mounting plate 41 ofupper frame portion 103. FIG. 4 a is a detailed perspective view (shownas detail A) of FIG. 4 b which is a perspective view of upper frameportion 103 holding power unit 42. The power unit 42 may be any engineof sufficient power to drive the pump and fan portion of the apparatus.For example, the power unit 42 may be a Yanmar enclosed turbo powerunit, or other diesel or other internal combustion engine.

FIG. 4 d is a top plan view of the frame and swing drive assemblysupporting the power unit 42 mounted on upper frame portion 103.

FIG. 4 c is a lower perspective view of upper frame portion 103 holdingpower unit 42.

FIG. 4 e is a detailed lower perspective view (shown as detail B) ofFIG. 4 c which also shows a perspective view of upper frame portion 103holding power unit 42.

FIG. 4 f is another lower perspective view of upper frame portion 103holding power unit 42.

FIG. 4 g is a first lateral elevation view of upper frame portion 103holding power unit 42.

FIG. 4 h is a first lateral elevation view of upper frame portion 103holding power unit 42.

FIG. 4 i is a detailed lower perspective view (shown as detail C) ofFIG. 4 f which also shows a lower perspective view of upper frameportion 103 holding power unit 42 giving a more detailed view of bracketweldment 49.

The power unit 42 may be affixed to the upper frame portion 103 by anyappropriate means, typically by bolts or screws of sufficient size tofix and hold the power unit onto the upper frame portion 103 during itsmovement along with the balance of the operative portions riding onupper frame portion 103.

FIG. 5 e is an upper perspective view of upper frame portion 103 holdingfan assembly 52, supported by fan support weldment 51 of upper frameportion 103, and fan inlet screen weldment 53.

FIG. 5 g is a first lateral elevation view of fan assembly 52 on fansupport weldment 51. This view shows the position of non-linear actuator59.

FIG. 5 f is a lower perspective view of upper frame portion 103 holdingfan assembly 52 on fan support weldment 51. This view also shows theposition of non-linear actuator 59 in more detail, which is attached andadapted to tilt the fan assembly with respect to the horizontal, such asby linkages 59 a and 59 b.

FIG. 5 d is a top plan view of the fan assembly 52 mounted on fansupport weldment 51 of upper frame portion 103.

FIG. 5 c is a detailed sectioned view (shown as detail D-D) of FIG. 5 dwhich also shows hose clamp weldment 58 of fan assembly 52.

FIG. 5 a is a detailed plan view (shown as detail C) of FIG. 5 d whichalso shows a detailed view of the subject attachment of the fan assembly52 to the upper frame portion 103.

FIG. 5 b is a detailed perspective view (shown as detail B) of FIG. 5 ewhich also shows a detailed view of the subject attachment of the fanassembly 52 to the upper frame portion 103.

FIG. 6 c is an upper perspective view of upper frame portion 103 holdingthe fan drive and guard assembly. This view shows lower guard weldment61 and upper guard weldment 62, a portion of the assembly being providedwith an air passage, such as by being made in part of a perforated orscreen-like material, to allow air flow upstream of the fan assembly.

FIG. 6 a is a top plan view of lower guard weldment 61 on upper frameportion 103. This view also shows the position of fan drive powertake-off 63.

FIG. 6 j is a first lateral elevation view of upper frame portion 103holding the fan drive and guard assembly. This view shows lower guardweldment 61 and upper guard weldment 62.

FIG. 6 g is a sectioned view (taken along A-A) of FIG. 6 j which alsoshows power take-off 63, lower guard weldment 61 and upper guardweldment 62.

FIG. 6 e is a sectioned view (taken along D-D, with the guard removed)of FIG. 6 j which also shows fan drive power take-off 63, lower guardweldment 61 and upper guard weldment 62. This view shows split taperbushing on fan drive shaft 64.

FIG. 6 f is a detailed perspective view of fan drive shaft 64, fan drivepulley 65 and drive belt 66, as would be visible with the guard removed.

FIG. 6 b is a detailed perspective view (shown as detail G of FIG. 6 c)which also shows belt guide 67 with the guard removed.

FIG. 6 d is a detailed elevation view (shown as detail F of FIG. 6 j)which also shows belt guide 67 and drive belt 66, as would be visiblewith the guard removed.

FIG. 6 h is a detailed perspective view (shown as detail C of FIG. 6 c)which also shows power take-off 63, power take-off pulley 65 and drivebelt 66, as would be visible with the guard removed.

FIG. 6 k is a second lateral elevation view of upper frame portion 103holding the fan drive and guard assembly. This view also shows powertake-off 63, lower guard weldment 61 and upper guard weldment 62.

FIG. 7 b is a top perspective view of the fully assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein. This view additionally shows fuel tank 71, watersupply line 72, constant velocity joint 74, primary nozzle ring assembly75, secondary nozzle ring assembly 75 b, optional cover plate 76 in theupper guard weldment 62. Nozzle ring assembly 75 (which may optionallycomprise multiple nozzle rings being separately valved to beindependently supplied with water), is served by a water conduit 72which is supplied with water from either a municipal, well or tank watersource. Also shown is control panel 77.

FIG. 7 a is a top plan view of the assembled operative portion of theapparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein. Also shown is jackshaft 73.

FIG. 7 c is a top perspective view of the fully assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein, and additionally showing optional booster pump 78 thatmay be used to take additional power from belt drive 66 to provideadditional pressure where the water source itself is at low pressure,and/or to supply additional water pressure as needed to the optionalsecondary nozzle ring. This may be added by opening optional cover plate76 to allow the booster pump 78 to engage power take-off 63 and powertake-off pulley 65 to provide additional power to drive belt 66.

FIG. 7 d is a sectioned view (taken along A-A) of FIG. 7 a, and showingdetailed view of the jack shaft 73 and fan shaft of the constantvelocity joint 74 assembly.

FIG. 7 e is a first lateral elevation view of the assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 7 f is a second lateral elevation view of the assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein. This view shows additional supply plumbing lineinstallation 79 and supply plumbing sub-assembly 80. Primary watersupply line 72 supplies primary nozzle ring assembly 75 (not shown inthis view) by action of valve 72 b. This view also shows optionalsecondary water supply line 72 a that may be engaged to supply a secondnozzle ring 75 b by action of valve 72 b. For instance, primary watersupply line 72 may supply primary nozzle ring assembly 75 having forinstance 30 relatively smaller nozzles 75 c with sufficient water todispense about 12-23 gallons per minute, while optional secondary watersupply line 72 a may be engaged to supply a second nozzle ring 75 bhaving for instance 6 relatively larger nozzles with sufficient water todispense up to about 72-137 gallons per minute total with both nozzlesets engaged.

FIG. 7 g is a top plan view of the assembled operative portion of theapparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein, shown without the fan and nozzle ring assemblies.

FIG. 7 h is a top perspective view of the fully assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein, shown without the optional booster pump 78 that may beused to supply additional power to belt drive 66, which access iscovered by optional cover plate 76.

FIG. 7 i is a front elevation view of the assembled operative portion ofthe apparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein.

FIG. 7 j is a side elevation view of the assembled operative portion ofthe apparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein.

FIG. 7 k is a rear elevation view of the assembled operative portion ofthe apparatus on the upper frame portion only, using like numerals torefer to the components described herein.

FIG. 8 a is a top perspective view of the fully assembled operativeportion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to the componentsdescribed herein, and additionally showing optional booster pump 78,reducing bushing 80, barb fitting 81 and hose 82. This view also showsP-clamp 83 and front pump mount weldment 84.

FIG. 8 b is a top plan view of the assembled operative portion of theapparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein. This view also shows ball valve control 85 for 3-way ball valvewater flow control.

FIG. 8 c is another top perspective view of the fully assembledoperative portion of the apparatus using like numerals to refer to thecomponents described herein. This view also shows guard weldments 86 aand 86 b.

FIG. 8 d is a detailed sectioned view (shown as section A-A) of FIG. 8e. This Figure shows a detailed view of the clutch pulley 87 and thesplit taper bushing 88.

FIG. 8 e is a rear elevation view of the assembled operative portion ofthe apparatus on the upper frame portion only, using like numerals torefer to the components described herein, and showing the position ofsection A-A of FIG. 8 d.

FIG. 8 f is a side elevation view of the assembled operative portion ofthe apparatus using like numerals to refer to the components describedherein, with the power unit and control panel removed. This view showspump mount bracket weldment 89, and the various parts of the watersupply arrangement, including water supply hoses/pipes 90-94,T-connectors 95 and 96, and elbow connectors 97-99, and main wateruptake conduit 100.

FIG. 8 g is a detailed elevation view (shown as detail F of FIG. 8 a),showing the water supply connection to the booster pump 78.

FIGS. 8 h and 8 i are detailed elevation views of the control panel 77.

FIG. 8 k is a detailed elevation view (shown as detail D of FIG. 8 c),showing a detailed view of power take-off pulley and drive belt.

FIG. 8 l is a detailed elevation view (shown as detail G of FIG. 8 f),showing a detailed view of the water supply arrangement.

FIG. 9 is a collection of views of a portion of the fan assembly 52,shown with the water supply conduits, associated valves and nozzle ringsadapted to provide water mist to the blown air stream.

FIG. 10 is a collection of views of a portion of the control panel,shown with wiring arrangements.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for the control circuitry and logic for thecontrol panel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a collection of views of a portion of the fuel tank servingthe engine of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a collection of views of a portion of the jack shaft assemblyfor the fan of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a collection of views of the power solenoid assembly of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a collection of views of the supply plumbing sub-assembly ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view of the control panel of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a portion of the control panel of thepresent invention.

In accordance with the Figures the dust suppression apparatus of thepresent invention uses a fan and nozzles to distribute an airborne mistacross a large worksite area. This mist reduces airborne dust or otherairborne particulate matter at the worksite.

The apparatus is preferably powered by a diesel power unit, for examplea 63-hp diesel power unit, which preferably supplies all the power forthe unit.

The dust suppression apparatus preferably has power oscillation settingsand aiming controls. The engine and fan head of the apparatus areinstalled on a turntable within the frame. The apparatus has powerrotation controls in both directions as well as power fan head heightadjustment. The apparatus also has an automatic oscillation setting thatcan be set to rotate 360 degrees, or it can be set to sweep a 45-degreearc once the limit switch peg has been installed. The coverage of thedust suppression apparatus can be altered by adjusting the nozzles andfan speed.

One may increase or reduce the throttle by adjusting the throttle knob.The machine has 30 nozzles that can be adjusted to alter the stream.

Some of the features of the preferred embodiment include an air flow of17,500 cubic feet per minute generated by the fan, with fan outlet airvelocity measures at 5,100 feet per minute.

Up to 20,000 square feet can be covered depending upon wind directionand fan oscillation.

The oscillator may allow any desired angle of sweep, such as typicalsettings from 45 to 360 degrees of movement. In addition, the dustsuppression apparatus also is capable of a power-adjustable angle ofthrow typically in the range of from about 15 to about 60 degrees ofheight adjustment.

As to the power specifications of the preferred dust suppressionapparatus, the diesel engine offers 63 HP continuous duty diesel powerunit. In addition, there is a ½ HP, 12-volt, direct current oscillatormotor, a 80:1 worm gear reducer on oscillator drive, a 1.0 RPM rotationspeed for oscillation, and a 1-3 HP, intermittent duty, 12-volt, directcurrent throw adjustment motor.

In order to operate the apparatus, it will be noted that its placementwill affect the coverage of the worksite. There are several factors toconsider when determining where to position the apparatus, includingdesired coverage area, wind, water pressure, fan direction, oscillationsetting, and personnel and other equipment within the area. Care shouldbe taken to locate the apparatus within the reach range of the watersupply hose in order to engage the water source. Examples of acceptablewater sources include a pump feeding from standing water, a fire hydrantor fire truck, a water truck or municipal hydrant. The operator shouldassure that there will be enough water from the source to meet apparatusrequirements needs. The volume of water needed will vary according tothe working conditions and application. The two factors that determinethe quantity of water needed are water pressure and time. The followingtables illustrate the water flow for a given water pressure, and can beused to calculate the water needed for a given application:

Primary (24 nozzles) 40 60 80 100 160 180 200 Nozzle Ring Water Pressure(psi) Water Flow (gpm) 9.6 11.7 13.5 15.1 19.1 20.3 21.4 Secondary (6nozzles) 40 60 80 100 160 180 200 Nozzle Ring Water Pressure (psi) WaterFlow (gpm) 54 66 76 85 107 114 120

Typical water specifications for the preferred embodiment include: (a) athrow range of 20-210 feet, a range of coverage height of 0-75 feet, and(c) 200 PSI water pressure capability.

The nozzle system of the preferred apparatus includes 24 brass nozzleswith individual ball valve control and 6 brass nozzles on secondarysoaking ring with single ball valve control. The water supply system mayalso feature a quick disconnect water fitting up to 2″ diameter.

To secure the apparatus, it should be placed on a solid, stable surface.If the apparatus is on a trailer, the trailer wheels should be blockedor the trailer otherwise secured. The frame of apparatus in thepreferred embodiment is designed so that the apparatus can be moved by alift truck. The two lift pockets run from end to end within the frame.The turntable should be positioned where the engine is closest to thelift truck prior to lifting. When loading the apparatus onto a trailer,be sure to center the weight on the trailer. This will stabilize thetrailer and reduce the risk of accidents. Once the apparatus is properlypositioned on the trailer it must be secured. Secure the apparatus tothe trailer using heavy-duty cargo control devices, such as a ratchetingload binder. Typical trailer requirements are: (a) weight capacity:4,200 lb., (b) width: 6.5 feet and (c) length: 12 feet.

To connect the water supply, the water hose coupler is connected to thewater intake on the apparatus. The hose is then fed from the apparatusto the water source, while assuring that there are no kinks or blockagesin the hose. Once the hose is connected to the water source, the waterpressure is slowly increased to the apparatus. Once the water isreaching the apparatus, the water pressure is cut off the water pressurebefore starting the apparatus.

Basic startup involves starting the diesel engine, engaging the fan, andsupplying water to the apparatus. This will be sufficient to create anairstream from the apparatus to begin dust suppression. To locate theapparatus controls refer to the diagram in the face of the controlpanel. See FIG. 16. The starting sequence may be as follows:

1. Press and hold the permissive start button, then turn the ignitionswitch to start.

2. When the engine fires, continue holding the permissive start buttonand release the key to the run position, and continue holding thepermissive start button until the engine idles smoothly. The tachometermay be made to sweep its full range at power on as a self test.

3. Locate the throttle knob above the engine control box. Adjust it sothat the apparatus idles at around 1500 rpm. Turn the throttle knobcounter clockwise to increase the rpm.

4. Slowly rotate the clutch handle until the fan is engaged.

5. When the fan is up to speed, increase the engine speed to themaximum, 2100 rpm.

6. Initiate water flow to the apparatus.

The operation of the apparatus in terms of setting the motion profilefor circular or arcuate reciprocal movement will also be apparent fromthe control panel and the logic and switches of the circuit diagram inFIG. 11.

The aiming controls shown in FIG. 17 allow the operator to direct thefan head using powered adjustment. The aiming controls are located justbelow the engine control box. The oscillation switch allows the fan tosweep back and forth 45 degrees if the limit switch peg is installed. Ifthe limit switch peg is not installed, the fan will rotate 360 degrees.The manual rotate switch allows one to manually adjust the rotationalposition of the fan head. The fan switch allows one to manually adjustthe vertical angle of the fan head from 15 to 60 degrees.

To aim the fan head, the following steps may be taken:

1. Assure that the limit switch peg is not installed, as this will limitthe range of the turntable.

2. If the apparatus is not already running, use the start sequence.

3. Use the manual rotate switch to rotate the fan head toward thetargeted area. Holding the switch up moves the turntable clockwise,holding the switch down rotates the turntable counter clockwise.

4. Use the fan switch to adjust the height of the fan head.

It should be noted that the area coverage is affected by worksiteconditions, so the apparatus should be monitored and adjusted asnecessary to maintain proper coverage.

The dust suppression apparatus can circle 360 degrees or sweep back andforth in a preset angle, such as a 45-degree area sweep. To cause theapparatus to sweep a 45-degree area one must install the limit switchpeg.

To Sweep a 45-degree Area the following steps may be taken:

1. Remove the limit switch peg if it has been installed. Make sure thatthe turntable track is clear.

2. Use the manual rotate switch to point the fan head toward the centerof the 45-degree area that you want to cover.

3. Once the fan head is in position, screw the limit switch peg into theoscillation track directly below the fan head.

4. Use the fan controls to adjust the height of the fan head asnecessary.

5. Turn the oscillation switch on. The machine will switch directionswhen the limit switch peg is encountered.

To cause the dust suppression apparatus to circle 360 degrees, the limitswitch peg is removed, while assuring that the oscillation track isclear of obstructions.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in thedetails of construction and the arrangement of components withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understoodthat the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth hereinfor the purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by thescope of the attached claims, including the full range of equivalency towhich each element thereof is entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dust suppression, said methodcomprising the steps: a. transporting a dust suppression apparatus to asite, said dust suppression apparatus comprising: (1) a trailer havingwheels and an upper surface; (2) a turntable mounted upon said uppersurface; (3) an engine; (4) a water mist blower comprising an airconduit, a plurality of water nozzles positioned so as to supply a sprayof water to said air conduit, and a fan positioned so as to supply astream of air through said air conduit, said water mist blower and saidengine mounted on said turntable, said turntable adapted to permit saidair conduit to be rotated horizontally, and said air conduit mounted soas to permit said air conduit to tilt vertically; (5) at least one motorconnected to said turntable so as to be able to rotate said air conduitto be rotated horizontally and to be able to tilt said air conduitvertically; (6) a water conduit adapted to supply pressurized water tosaid plurality of water nozzles; (7) a belt drive connected to saidengine and adapted to supply power to said fan, and (8) a constantvelocity joint connecting said belt drive to said fan; and b. supplyingwater to said water conduit and operating engine so as to generate watermist, while actuating said at least one motor to either: (i) operatingsaid motor so as to rotate said air conduit horizontally, or (ii)operating said at least one motor so as to tilt said air conduitvertically, or (iii) operating said at least one motor so as to rotatesaid air conduit to be rotated horizontally and so as to tilt said airconduit vertically.
 2. A method of dust suppression according to claim1, additionally comprising the step of operating said turntable so as toprovide 360 degree horizontal rotation or reciprocating arcuatehorizontal rotation.
 3. A method of dust suppression according to claim1, said air conduit having a downstream opening, and wherein saidplurality of water nozzles comprises a first and second circular arrayof water nozzles, and wherein said method comprises either providing aflow of said pressurized water to either of said first and secondcircular arrays of water nozzles, or halting the flow of saidpressurized water to either of said first and second circular arrays ofwater nozzles.
 4. A method of dust suppression according to claim 2,additionally comprising the step of changing the vertical tilt angle ofsaid air conduit while said 360 degree horizontal rotation orreciprocating arcuate horizontal rotation is occurring.